My Journey: From The Backyard To The Booth
It started with speakers in my backyard and a whole lot of confidence. 28 years later, I’m still chasing the same heartbeat. Here is the story of how I went from faking it to playing globally.
A good DJ doesn't just follow the crowd. They read the room and lead it somewhere unexpected. It's about pulling everyone into the same heartbeat.
Whether you're on your first mix or your hundredth gig, these tips will save you years. Let's build the DJ community stronger together.
It's not about showing off. It's about disappearing into the music so the crowd feels like they're the main act. That's when a night becomes unforgettable.
People often ask how I got into DJing. In this podcast clip, I share the story of that one moment I saw a DJ control a crowd and said, "Mujhe yahi banna hai."
In a rapid-fire session, I was asked, "What's more sacred than weddings?" and "What advice would you give an aspiring DJ?" My answers come straight from the heart.
If I could tell a new DJ just 5 things from 30 years of late nights and packed floors, these would be it. Not the technical stuff, just the real lessons.
Lesson #1: It's not about playing what you love. It's about playing what connects. You're there to move souls, not to flex your taste.
Lesson #5: Invest in yourself before you're "big." Better gear, branding, photos. Don't wait until you "make it" to take yourself seriously.
Lesson #3: Network like it's part of the job, because it is. Half the gigs come from people who remember you and your set. Be seen, be cool, follow up.
Lesson #4: Build your brand early. Your sound, visuals, and presence combine to create the experience. Don't just play music, be the experience.
About My Journey: From The Backyard To The Booth
It started when I was 16, telling friends I was a DJ before I even knew how to mix. Today, whether I am playing for a stadium or an intimate wedding, the core rule remains the same: I do not read a playlist, I read the room. My console is never on a stage because I believe the energy flows best when we are on the same level, sharing the same space.
How it Started
Back in '96, it was just me, some speakers, and a lot of nerve. I went from those early days of pretending to know what I was doing to winning a DJ competition I didn't even plan to enter. That accident took me all the way to Space Ibiza and taught me that if you are authentic, the universe notices.
The Philosophy of Vibe
After two decades and over 2,000 weddings, I have learned that the music is the answer to whatever question the crowd is asking. My work with the Basti Crew, especially on projects like our EP 'Jantar Mantar,' stems from the same belief: music is about storytelling. I mix house, techno, and Bollywood bangers not because they fit a genre, but because they fit the moment.
Why My Approach is Different
- No Stage Barriers: I keep my console on the dance floor so we can interact directly.
- Live Fusion: I don't just play tracks; I jam with live dhol and percussion to keep the energy organic.
- Read & React: I arrive 45 minutes early to feel the room. If the crowd needs deep house to set the mood, or high-octane Punjabi to break the ice, that is exactly what they get.
I am not here to show off my tech skills. I am here to disappear into the music so that by the end of the night, you feel like you were the one driving the energy.
Similar work from other experts
Browse through Curated picks from other experts on mytribe
7
15 Years Behind the Decks: My Journey and DJ Craft
28
Behind the Decks: My Musical Journey
Behind the Decks: My DJ Journey and Milestones
6
16 Years Of Playing Sets: My DJ Journey
7
Behind the Decks: My Journey as a Delhi DJ
10
Sharing the Console with International and Local Legends
More from Club & Nightlife DJ by Sidharth Talwar
More services by Sidharth Talwar